Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Leo was probably the only person who understood my humour. He was also proud member of Tom Hanks fan club and loved to watch Spanish dramas even though he did not understand anything. As we started to spend more time together I understood about his love story. It was tragic because it seemed like he really loved her. I tried to help him understand why she was finding it difficult to reciprocate his love but he was tired to talk about it.
Lukas was busy managing the affairs of the Hell so Leo kept me company. He had the responsibility of handling everything from room to the decorations for the guest, Yama. Apparently he was also a demon of Hindu mythology and King of Hell. At first I was confused so Leo made me read their mythology. It was long but worth it.
"Do you think he will appreciate lavender in his room?" I asked, chewing my lower lip in between my teeth. Leo was very happy when I insisted on helping him. He had no idea about the decorations which were needed to brighten up the room. Kira helped me pick flowers from the garden. I did not even know that there was a huge garden behind the mansion.
Leo bobbed his head, a serious look on his face, "He has to. You really worked hard to arrange those in the vase"
I hummed, smiling at the white vase, "I really did"
When he did not reply for a few seconds I realised that he was making fun of me. He has his lips pressed together as if to hold back his laughter. I nudged at his arm, trying hard to not slap his face.
"You're so annoying. Good luck trying to decorate the rest of it"
Leo screeched, "No! No I'm sorry. I promise I won't do it again"
I hid my smile and nodded my head. Everything was done. We were just making a double check so that nothing gets messed up in last minute. Lukas asked Leo to go along with him but he declined saying that he had to shine his shoes. That had to be the lamest excuse he ever made up but I defended him saying that they needed polishing.
"I just hope he isn't like Oni. The last time they were here they made a mess. But Lukas is good friends with their King so we let it slide"
I frowned, "What is Oni?"
Leo sighed, "They are like Japanese ogre like creatures. Kinda scary because of their horns"
I parted my lips in shock. There was so much I needed to learn. Lukas was annoying and obnoxious so I refuse to take help from him. But maybe Leo can help me understand all the creatures. I was still reeling from Hindu mythology.
"How am I supposed to know about everyone?"
"You need to learn" Leo said in a duh tone as he pushed his hands in his pants pocket, admiring the painting on the wall. Obviously Lauren did that.
"Who's going to teach me?" I made a face.
"Lukas of course" Leo stated, staring at the side of my head. As they were the best of friends I could not exactly bad-mouth about Lukas. Also Leo respected him too much and admired because he was their King. It would be wrong on so many levels if I talk behind his back with his own best friend.
"He hates me" I sighed.
Leo scoffed, shaking his head, "Who told you that?"
"No one has to tell me that. He shows it enough"
"Talia he doesn't hate you. Trust me when I say this you are the last person he would hate." Leo exhaled softly.
The statement alone cause me to have butterflies in my stomach. I was so used to people being annoyed by me that it was impossible to believe. I shrugged.
"Do you really believe that?"
I took a deep breath, "I don't want to but it's just...I kinda think that I ruined his life by being pregnant. He had no responsibility before me but now he has to worry about me and our child who is going to be the first Nephilim."
That was the first time I said it out loud to someone other than myself. Having a kid was one thing but having a half-demon kid who had dangers from everywhere was difficult. Lukas had to look after Hell so I felt guilty knowing that he had to care for me and our child. Even though he was trying to hide the fact that I may be in some kind of difficulty I had an idea about it. I overhead a few workers talking about our child being a miracle but also dangerous to Hell.
Leo stared at me, his eyes focused, "Are you forgetting the fact that he's King of Hell? He will always have to be responsible. I think this is something he's really excited about. Do you know how much demons love to have a child? It is often difficult for lower ranks to be pregnant, the only way they can be is if their child is mixed. Any other creature."
"The situation might be difficult as of now but I don't think that he regrets anything. If anything he's going to make history. Why would he be unhappy about it?"
I thought about it for a while. Let those words sunk in. It was true that the situation was not ideal but Lukas never said that he didn't want a child. He could have simply asked me to get rid of it but he was protecting me. How can I doubt him? Maybe he does not see me as his ideal partner but he will definitely love our child. That's something I would never have to worry about.
"Thank you Lukas" I patted at his shoulder to which he shook his head.
Before he could say something there was a knock on the door. I looked over my shoulder only to notice a maid.
"My King is waiting downstairs with the guest. And he has asked for you"
Leo motioned towards me and we walked out of the room together. I held my breath as we were walking downstairs, my eyes narrowing at two strangers sitting on the couch. One of them was a kid so my lips pulled in a smile. I had no idea that King Yama had a kid. There was no mention of it in the book.
"Miss Talia?" The guy in a colourful suit stood up, walking towards me. How did he know my name? Lukas might have told him.
Lukas was by my side before I could shake his hand.
"Yama how do you know about my mate?"
My eyes widened at that. Lukas didn't tell him? Then who did? Lukas wrapped his arms around my waist and I leaned into his side, fear gripping me. His face was tight, eyes turned into slits. I could feel his loud breathing falling on my shoulder.
Yama let out a burst of nervous laughter, shaking his head, "Please don't think otherwise. Death and I are close so he mentioned about you in passing. That's all I know"
Lukas let out a breath at that, relaxing immediately.
"Oh! You almost gave me a scare" Lukas parted away and I instantly missed the warmth of his arms. What are you saying?! I gritted my teeth together for even thinking about it. He shouldn't be affecting me like that. Lukas was just the father of my kid. That's all.
Yama chuckled lightly and the boy his behind him. I waved at him to which he shyly waved back. So cute! I gushed staring at him.
"Good morning, King Yama" I greeted to Yama realising that I was quiet ever since he greeted me.
"Good morning"
"Is that your son?" I asked softly, my eyes focused on the kid beside him.
Yama burst out laughing, "Everyone seems to be thinking the same thing. Do we look that alike?"
I stared at both of them. They both had the same colour hair and Roman pointed nose. Anyone would easily mistake them for father and son.
"He's my stepbrother, Yuri." Yama patted at his shoulder. The kid whined but still held on to his hand.
"Oh he's very cute"
Yama smiled, tugging at his brother's hand, "Yuri what do you say?"
"Thank you miss" Yuri shyly smiled, his cheeks puffed. I felt my chest tighten just thinking about my own child. If he had half of the cuteness of Yuri we will be blessed.
"Sorry for bringing him along without notice."
I waved my hand around, crouching towards the kid, "No worries we can arrange the room for this cutie."
Yama laughed, "You're natural at this. I'm sure you will be an excellent mother"
I gasped, standing up on my feet. How did he know that?
Lukas glared at him, "How much do you know about us?"
"You wouldn't like the answer to that"
***